Important Changes due to COVID-19

IMPORTANT CHANGES DUE TO COVID-19

Currently due to the Coronavirus pandemic, there are a number of changes to the documented process within this guidance (pages 4 & 9).

Relatives are not required to attend Bereavement Services to collect the Medical Certificate Cause of Death (MCCD), however you will still need to contact Bereavement Services in the first instance so that we have all your details and can update you on amended procedures. All death registrations are now being conducted via a telephone appointment with the Registrar. Upon receipt, Bereavement Services will electronically forward the MCCD to the Registrar Office. The Registrars will then contact you and book an appointment to complete the registration, and advise you of the information they will require. The Registrar will also forward the relevant documentation to your chosen funeral director. Once the MCCD has been completed you can arrange for your chosen funeral director to collect your loved one from the hospital. You can contact a funeral director prior to the completion of the MCCD and make provisional arrangement so that your loved one can be taken into their care as soon as the paperwork is completed. The hospital has limited appointments, and so viewings should wherever possible be arranged with your funeral director.